Fans' delight as George Clooney pops in to homeless cafe for sandwich

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 12: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Actor George Clooney (C) poses with former homeless staff members during a visit to Social Bite sandwich shop on November 12, 2015 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff Holmes/Getty Images)

George Clooney has taken a break from Hollywood glitz to visit a small sandwich cafe that helps homeless people in Edinburgh.

The actor drew a large crowd as he arrived at the establishment yesterday, which employs and feeds the homeless.

Clooney praised the project and told reporters: "I think the idea that we can all participate in everyone's difficulties is really important."

Inside, the star handed over a £5 note to buy a small meal or two for the needy, and sampled a sandwich himself. He was invited to the cafe by its co-founder Josh Littlejohn, who also set up the Scottish Business Awards, which the actor attended last night.

Clooney fan Sandi Pringle (57) and her daughter Kirsten (22), from Portobello in Edinburgh, were first in line to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood star.

They arrived outside Social Bite at 7am and said it was worth the wait for a selfie and a hug with Clooney.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 12: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Actor George Clooney (L) during a visit to Social Bite sandwich shop, where he met owners Alice Thompson, (C) Josh Littlejohn (R) and former homeless staff members on November 12, 2015 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff Holmes/Getty Images)

Kirsten said: "It's been absolutely freezing, there was nobody else here when we first arrived but then George turned up and he came over to get a selfie with me before he went into the shop. When he came outside again, I was so happy to get a photo of him with my mum because she is the big fan. That photo will be getting framed and going on the mantelpiece."